Research by Dr. Dianne Hardy found that 86% of piano teachers rate sight reading as a highly important skill, yet only 7% teach it systematically. Over 650,000 students take ABRSM exams annually, with sight reading worth 21 of 150 marks. The right app can fill this gap — but not all apps are created equal.
| App | Price | MIDI | Real Music | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MasterPiano | Free (Premium $19.99/mo) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Piano Marvel | $15.99/month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sight Reading Factory | $45/year | — | — | — |
| sightreading.training | Free | ✓ | — | — |
| Flowkey | $19.99/month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music Tutor | Free (Pro $4.99) | — | — | ✓ |
| ABRSM Sight Reading Trainer | $4.99 | — | ✓ | ✓ |
MasterPiano
Best for Graded Practice with Real Music
Pros
- + 8,000+ real pieces graded by difficulty
- + Real-time MIDI feedback shows correct/incorrect notes
- + Adaptive difficulty serves pieces at your level
- + Progress tracking with level system
- + Clean, modern interface
Cons
- − Requires MIDI keyboard for full features
- − Newer platform (less brand recognition)
Piano Marvel
Best for Structured Assessment
Pros
- + SASR assessment gives you a score
- + Large library of 25,000+ pieces
- + Structured curriculum with lessons
- + Established platform since 2010
Cons
- − Dated user interface
- − Can feel slow and clunky
- − Higher price point
- − Some users report accuracy issues
Sight Reading Factory
Best for Infinite Exercises
Pros
- + Generates unlimited new exercises
- + Highly customizable (key, time signature, range)
- + Good for targeted practice
- + Works for multiple instruments
Cons
- − Exercises aren't real music (algorithmically generated)
- − No MIDI feedback
- − Less engaging than real pieces
- − No progress tracking
sightreading.training
Best Free Option
Pros
- + Completely free
- + Works directly in browser
- + MIDI keyboard support
- + Simple and straightforward
Cons
- − Very basic interface
- − No real pieces (generated notes)
- − No progress tracking
- − Limited customization
Flowkey
Best for Beginners Learning Songs
Pros
- + Beautiful interface
- + Great for learning pop songs
- + Good video tutorials
- + Works with acoustic pianos (microphone)
Cons
- − Not focused on sight reading
- − Limited classical repertoire
- − Sheet music view is secondary
Music Tutor
Best for Note Recognition Drills
Pros
- + Good for learning note names
- + Simple flashcard-style practice
- + Very affordable
- + Available on mobile
Cons
- − Not full sight reading (just note identification)
- − No rhythm component
- − Gets repetitive
ABRSM Sight Reading Trainer
Best for Exam Preparation
Pros
- + Official ABRSM content
- + Exam-accurate difficulty
- + Graded 1-5
- + One-time purchase
Cons
- − Only goes up to Grade 5
- − Limited content
- − No MIDI support
- − iOS only
How to Choose the Right App
If you want real music with progress tracking:
Choose MasterPiano. 8,000+ real pieces graded by difficulty, with MIDI feedback.
If you want structured lessons + assessment:
Choose Piano Marvel. The SASR assessment and curriculum are well-established.
If you need infinite drill exercises:
Choose Sight Reading Factory. Great for exam prep with unlimited generated exercises.
If you want something free:
Try sightreading.training. Basic but free, with MIDI support in browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app for piano sight reading?
The best app depends on your goals. MasterPiano is best for practicing with real music and tracking progress. Piano Marvel is best for structured assessment. Sight Reading Factory is best for unlimited exercises.
Do I need a MIDI keyboard for sight reading apps?
Not all apps require MIDI, but apps with MIDI support provide real-time feedback showing which notes you played correctly. This dramatically accelerates learning compared to apps without feedback.
Is Piano Marvel worth the price?
Piano Marvel at $15.99/month is worthwhile if you want structured lessons alongside sight reading practice and value the SASR assessment. However, alternatives like MasterPiano offer similar features with a more modern interface at a lower price point.
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